Unicorn Nursery

In September 2022 we embarked on a journey towards accreditation for the ‘Curiosity Approach,’ which is a new and innovative way of teaching young children.

This teaching method allows children to direct their own learning by ‘igniting their natural curiosity and imagination.’

It takes inspiration from various educational theories such as Regio Emilia, and focuses on natural materials, neutral calm tones and wooden objects and artefacts, rather than the typical plastic toys so common in many nurseries.

Since we embarked on our policy we have transformed our setting.

Gone are the loud, bold colours. 

We have painted our setting in neutral colours to create a calm, soothing environment. Gone are the plastic toys and instead children are presented with ordinary real-life items made of wood or other natural materials.

This encourages the child to create their own toys to play with, essentially ‘going back to basics’ and using their own imagination to figure out what each item is for and how to use it, rather than being given a toy with a fixed identity which essentially shapes how a child will play with it.

The Curiosity Approach gives the children the ability to shape the play rather than the toy shaping and limiting their play.

We are trying to create a ‘home from home’ experience which is completely play-based and led by the child. 

The clue is in the name. 

The philosophy is centred around the natural innate curiosity which we are all born with. We aim to provide children with a calm, stress-free environment with open-ended resources which allow children to work things out for themselves.

When using loose parts, children are given the opportunity to use their imagination and their creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills - and more - to teach themselves.

We use authentic resources, wooden items, baskets, etc., to handle, explore and investigate, providing children with a safe space during early childhood which makes them feel supported. 

That, in turn, makes them become more confident, competent and inquisitive learners.

A Curiosity Approach Nursery is fully play-based and each child is led by their own curiosity. Early childhood is seen as a time in itself and not just preparation for school.

Children’s natural curiosity and wonder for life and the wonderful world around them is enhanced and allowed to be stretched, creating the ‘thinkers’ and the ‘doers’ of the future.

We have a continuous provision which is based on our children’s next steps. This is available all day, every day, inside and outside in our gardens.

This is full of purposely chosen items to inspire children, to enable playing opportunities and perfect age-appropriate skills whilst giving independence and accessing opportunities across the whole Early Years Foundation Stage.

We then support this by setting up ‘provocations’ or ‘invitations to play.’ They introduce children to new ideas and skills but are very different to ‘activities’ which can often have a set outcome.

The provocation has has an intention which is open-ended and can be played with in any way the child chooses. 

What we offer at Unicorn provides children with the time and the skills they require to become confident, independent and capable learners.

If you would like any more information, please feel free to get in touch or come and visit us to see this wonderful learning taking place.